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Deck cost per square foot (U.S. installed)

Filter material, height, railing, and market — then enter deck size for a tighter installed range.

Last updated: August 2026

Cost calculator

Tap each row. Use the ? if a term is unclear — some words are contractor jargon.

1. Decking material
2. Height / structure
3. Railing
4. U.S. market

Pressure-treated wood · Ground-level / platform · No railing needed · Lower-cost area

$21$38 per sq ft installed

$6,300$11,400U.S. ballpark for the filters above — get local bids to confirm

People do not only type “deck cost.” They also search deck prices, how much does a deck cost, and deck cost per square foot. Those queries share one intent: budget a backyard build before calling builders.

What drives deck pricing

  • Board material (PT wood vs cedar vs composite)
  • Height, footings, and stair runs
  • Railing type and code requirements
  • Permits, demolition of an old deck, and site access
Outdoor residential living space near a home
Raised structures and railing upgrades move the per-square-foot number quickly.

Filter material, height, and railing, then enter size. Get two local bids — soil and frost-line footing rules vary by region.